National award recipient, extraordinary achieving Yarrawonga identity Franc Vodusek OAM was farewelled by an estimated 1,000 mourners last Wednesday, March 15.
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Mr Vodusek passed away on March 6, aged 83 years. The funeral service was conducted in the Sacred Heart Church Yarrawonga - the same church he and wife Marija were married 61 years ago.
Father Michael Morley conducted the service and said Franc leaves a great legacy for his grandchildren.
“His name will live on for all generations. His wisdom was very gifted. He had amazing ability,” Fr Michael said.
Born in Celje, Slovenia on June 11, 1939 Mr Vodusek migrated to Australia in 1959. Due to his unique foresight, hard work and leadership, he operated a flourishing butchery in Yarrawonga before establishing his abattoirs in Yarrawonga and Cobram.
The eulogy was delivered by younger son Daimien, and eldest child and daughter Sonja Vodusek. Daimien spoke about the early times in Slovenia, beginning with a young Franc fishing on icy streams with copper wire and dynamite, yet his Dad couldn’t swim, riding a bike laden with bread to feed the coalminers and walking a prized ox to the slaughter house at aged seven.
“He left home at 14 to start his new career, he wanted to be an electrician but that was not to be, a family tree of master butchers was his destiny.
“So, it was head down and hard work to become the apprentice of the state,” Daimien said.
“1st of May 1957 riding (his motorbike) and meeting a girl, buying a drink and giving her a dink sealed the deal. August 1957 Franc had a top-secret plan, he and two mates decided to leave communist Yugoslavia.
“Farewell Mum and baby sister, he left the motherland. He crossed the border to Austria, on the 23rd of October 1957 which was a big deal. He decided to head to Australia because he listened to the 1956 Olympics on a transistor radio. Working in a coal mine was not for him so he set sail to Melbourne in 1959.
“In 1961 he drove up to Yarrawonga to start his new life. He loved it so much he wrote a letter to his future wife. With five quid in his pocket, knife and steel in hand, ‘Frankie Foodlands’ is where it all began…from butchering under trees to tin shed slaughterhouses, in Tungamah, Devenish and Savernake just to name a few…he built an abattoir in Yarrawonga in 1968 and built Cobram Abattoir in 1977.”
Among Franc’s other passions mentioned by Daimien were horse racing which included being an owner breeder of brilliant horses Wonga Star, Horace, Brave Chief and Rich Field Lad, along with AFL football with his beloved Yarrawonga Pigeons and Geelong Cats.
Franc’s older son Rodney referred to his Dad’s success on the racing track adding: “He was proud of his racing prowess, picking out a winner and a good horse.
“His number plates from Mercedes Benz, which travelled 1,500 million kilometres, everyone knew when he turned up to the sales. His shiraz was produced at Tuppal Station, many a fine drop was spilt and drank at parties and he was very proud of it.”
Sonja said her Dad could speak to people from all walks of life and had an endearing way of expressing himself.
“He knew how to bring people together and to bring out the best in them for the benefit of the local community,” Sonja said.
“Dad would always make you laugh with his unique observations of life. He never missed a trick and he could describe a scene in such a way that would have everyone in stitches of laughter.
“There are many great men that one meets and then there is Franc – humorous, humble and hardworking.”
A wonderful video tribute regarding Franc’s life was depicted on the screens in the church and Sacred Heart Primary School’s multi-purpose building accompanied by two favourite songs of Franc’s – How do I say goodbye, by Dean Lewis and Elvis Presley’s version of My Way.
Earlier, the grandchildren presented some of their Pop’s symbols of significance: Jockey silks and trophy, steel and Box – 059 plates, Tuppal shiraz, Akubra hat, OAM Medal, Yarrawonga Pigeons Jumper (Lucky #12) and Geelong memorabilia, along with a bottle of Rich Glen Olive Oil and Poppy’s Dressing.
Order of Australia Medal (OAM)
Franc and wife of 61 years, Marija, upon the announcement, in 2002, of Franc’s OAM award.
In 2002, Franc was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his outstanding community service to Cobram and Yarrawonga, with district health services, schools, the church, sporting clubs and events all benefitting greatly from his involvement.
Franc was a director of the Yarrawonga and District Hospital Board when he accepted the role of appeal chairman for a major appeal which raised over $750,000 to establish a 20-bed special care hostel and built 10 extra beds for the nursing home in Yarrawonga.
He took on the role as President of Yarrawonga Swimming Pool Fundraising Committee which raised $1.2 million to build a 50-metre pool to enable local swimmers to use a local pool instead of travelling to another town.
Franc was Chairman of the Old Convent Restoration and Preservation Fundraising Committee Yarrawonga which raised $130,000 to restore and renovate the old Catholic Convent to be used by the community as a meeting centre and for functions such as art shows and trade exhibitions.
As Managing Director Vodusek Meats, he initiated and built a major new regional industry called ‘Cobram Abattoir’. The meat processing complex distributed in Victoria, southern NSW and the Canberra region, creating employment for over 200 people.
In 1977, Vodusek Meats won the Victorian State Training Board’s Employer of the Year Award.
Numerous Slovenian events in Australia were also sponsored by Franc.
In 1992, Mr Vodusek was made a Life Member of Yarrawonga Football Netball Club and also had the honour of being made Club Patron in 1999.
Long-serving Yarrawonga Football Netball Club President Glenn Brear said: “The great thing about Franc Vodusek was that he was a good fellow who’d always give you time. He was terrific for our club over three decades. Franc was so deserving of being awarded Life Membership of our club and being made Patron.”
Franc was loved by all and would have loved the words from all of his grandchildren. The prayer expressed by Hannah is worth being repeated: “We thank you God for the gift of Franc’s life and his positive influence on us all. Franc inspired us through his lifelong dedication to his family, work, the land and many surrounding communities. We love you and miss you Pop and thank you for the special times we shared.”
Daimien concluded his eulogy by saying: “For those who feel his loss, be rest assured he lived a full life with no regrets. He loved his family and friends, rosy cheeks, cheeky grin and a sparkle in the eye. Hand in hand, Franc cherished Marija, the love of his life, to the very end.”
Mourners formed a guard of honour along Murphy Street and applauded an amazing man.
After the burial at the Yarrawonga Cemetery, mourners joined the family on Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck where many fond memories of legend Franc were recalled.
